The Open Secret of Washington Street
While Seattle’s reform administration promises order, popular gambling dens—including one run by a prominent Democratic politician—operate in plain sight.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
It is evident that the powers that be have determined that the scope of gambling operations in the city may be extended. In addition to the games run by the original firm, half a dozen other games of various kinds are running without molestation. Among the most notable is that of John W. Considine. Considine is an active Democratic politician and a delegate to the Democratic state convention, and his game on Washington street is accordingly permitted to run openly and publicly. This reform administration is very careful that the reform knife does not cut in the wrong direction.
“This reform administration is very careful that the reform knife does not cut in the wrong direction.”
This 1892 report highlights the perennial tension between municipal reform rhetoric and the political utility of 'vice.' John Considine would go on to become a notorious theater magnate, and his name remains tied to the history of the Pioneer Square district's colorful, often corrupt, early underworld.
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